There’s no denying the global phenomenon that is the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), and UFC 290: Volkanovski vs. Rodríguez promises to be another high-octane showdown. This article dives deep into the expected purse, payouts, and salaries of the headline fighters – Alexander Volkanovski and Yair Rodríguez.

UFC 290: Volkanovski vs. Rodríguez Expected Purse, Payouts, and Salaries

Table of Contents

Alexander Volkanovski Financial Breakdown

Category	Amount
Base Salary	$600,000
PPV Payouts	$400,000
Total Purse	$1,000,000

Yair Rodríguez Financial Breakdown

Category	Amount
Base Salary	$400,000
PPV Payouts	$300,000
Total Purse	$700,000

As we gear up for this marquee matchup, it’s worth noting that the fighters’ payouts are divided into three categories: base salary, PPV payouts, and the total estimated purse. Let’s examine each category.

Note: The figures below are only estimated and have not been officially confirmed.

Base Salary: An Guaranteed Payday

Base salary is the guaranteed amount that a fighter will receive, regardless of the match outcome. It’s basically the “show up” fee. For UFC 290, Alexander Volkanovski has an expected base salary of $600,000, while Yair Rodríguez’s is $400,000.

The difference between their base salaries can be attributed to factors such as seniority, championship status, negotiation prowess, and the organization’s perceived marketability of the fighter. Volkanovski, as the reigning Featherweight champion, commands a higher base salary compared to Rodríguez.

PPV Payouts: The More Eyes, The Bigger The Slice

The term PPV refers to Pay-Per-View, the broadcasting model UFC typically uses for its biggest events. Here, fighters often negotiate a share of the PPV profits on top of their base salary. The bigger the star, the larger the PPV cut.

For UFC 290, it’s projected that Volkanovski will take home $400,000 in PPV payouts while Rodríguez is slated to pocket $300,000. The fighters’ PPV shares are influenced by factors like their drawing power and contractual agreements. Volkanovski, being the champion and having a larger fanbase, will likely draw more viewers, hence the higher expected PPV payout.

Total Purse Estimate: The Whole Financial Picture

The total purse is the sum of a fighter’s base salary and PPV payouts. For UFC 290, Volkanovski’s total purse estimate stands at a whopping $1,000,000, while Rodríguez is expected to earn around $700,000. This showcases the massive earning potential at the top of the UFC echelons.

However, these figures don’t include undisclosed bonuses, sponsorship deals, or performance bonuses awarded for Fight of the Night or Performance of the Night. Such extras can significantly boost a fighter’s total earnings.

FAQs

Why do UFC fighters earn different amounts?

Each fighter’s payout is unique and depends on factors such as their contract, championship status, marketability, negotiation skills, and tenure in the organization.

How are PPV payouts calculated?

PPV payouts are usually a predetermined percentage of the PPV revenue, agreed upon in the fighter’s contract. The more viewers a fighter can draw, the higher their PPV payout.

Do fighters earn more if they win?

Yes, often fighters have a “win bonus” included in their contracts, which is paid out if they are victorious.

Are these the exact amounts Volkanovski and Rodríguez will earn?

No, these are only estimates. Actual figures can vary and may also include undisclosed bonuses and sponsorships.

Do fighters earn money from sponsorships?

Yes, fighters can significantly boost their earnings through sponsorships. However, UFC’s exclusive apparel deal with Venum limits the visibility of other sponsors inside the Octagon.

Are UFC salaries increasing?

UFC fighter pay has generally trended upward over time, particularly at the upper levels of the sport. However, many argue that UFC fighters are still underpaid relative to the organization’s revenue.

Conclusion

UFC 290: Volkanovski vs. Rodríguez promises to be a clash for the ages, and the fighters’ expected purse, payouts, and salaries reflect the significance of the event. Although the figures listed are not official, they give us a glimpse into the financial side of one of the biggest MMA promotions in the world. Despite the physical and mental sacrifices these athletes endure, their potential earnings illustrate why so many strive to reach the top of this lucrative yet demanding sport.